This Just In, Somewhat Recently: 'braindump' settlement

So I got the OK to share some news about Microsoft's settlement with Testking. From our perspective, and hopefully your perspective, and hopefully the perspective of other IT certification programs... it is really good news. Here is part of the internal announcement from Shon, our Microsoft Learning guy who focuses on issues like this:

Microsoft has reached a settlement with Testking, the world’s largest braindump distributor, to immediately cease illegal use of Microsoft Certification exam content.  ....Braindump companies provide a “shortcut” to IT certifications by helping people with limited product knowledge and expertise pass IT exams. Ultimately, this devalues the achievements of the many individuals who legitimately passed exams thanks to in-depth study and hands-on technology experience. ....Under the terms of this settlement, Testking has agreed to immediately cease marketing, selling, distributing, publishing, reproducing, disseminating, offering or otherwise knowingly transferring in any way any actual Microsoft Certification Exams content.

Top two reasons we think this is really good news:

  1. Testking is really big, and will now only be providing legitimate study materials via Testking.com and their other websites.
  2. This should raise awareness about what is/is not acceptable use of intellectual property in the certification world -- and discourage other 'braindump' providers -- so that those of you who make the effort and commitment to pass exams on the real get the recognition you deserve.

Shon and others will talk more about this in our May 23rd Live Meeting about certification integrity. Questions?